Nearly 40 years ago Austria opened its first all stainless steel swimming pool. Since it was first filled with water, it hasn’t needed any refurbishment. Now France is following suit, opting for the innovative, economical and sustainable solution offered by stainless steel for the renovation and construction of its water sports centres. After the refurbishment of a pool for the commune of Saint Bonnet de Mure, Rhône in March 2008, the city of Vichy opened a new outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, along with indoor amusement, learning and wading pools. In total, 2,150 square metres (23,142 square feet) of water surface are enclosed by more than 65 tonnes of stainless steel. The stainless steel is made of about 70% recycled material. Moly-grade austenitic stainless steels were chosen for their superior corrosion resistance in the chlorine-rich environment. The walls and bottoms of the pools and areas exposed to splashing or warm indoor humidity, such as handrails and ladders or the amusement pool’s slides, are all made from Type 316 stainless steel, supplied by ArcelorMittal.